6 Historical Treasures to Discover in Lisbon

The Lisbon Cathedral in Alfama was built in the 12th century. It is the oldest church in the city and has towers, gilded features, and a rose window that attracts many visitors. Admission to the church is free but a €2.50 fee is required to walk through the cloisters, which are open from 10AM to 5PM. Roman, Arabic, and Medieval structures are found in these ancient walkways, which may have once belonged to a mosque that existed where the cathedral now stands.

While strolling on Alfama’s winding roads, you may come across a red wall surrounding the Museum of the Roman Theatre and its amphitheatre next door. This edifice dates back to the first century B.C. and was discovered in the late 18th century. In addition to the amphitheatre, visitors can see columns and sculptures. Archaeological research shows the Roman Theatre’s guests may have been able to see the Tagus River from their seats. Admission to the museum is free.

In the National Azulejo Museum, a visitor can see both colorful ceramic tiles and a beautiful Baroque-style chapel in one visit. The National Azulejo Museum is built within a 16th-century convent, in a remote part of the city tourists often miss. It is the only museum in Portugal dedicated to azulejos, ceramic tiles which hold significant meaning in Portuguese culture. Both convent and chapel on the site are historical buildings that were renovated after the earthquake in 1755.